Arthur Moore Lascelles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Moore Lascelles
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| Born | 12 October 1880 Streatham, London |
| Died | 7 November 1918 (aged 38) Fontaine-au-Bois, France |
| Buried |
Dourlers Communal Cemetery Extension
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| Allegiance | South Africa United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
South African Army British Army |
| Years of service | 1902–1915 (South Africa), 1915–1918 (UK) |
| Rank | Quartermaster Sergeant (South Africa) Captain (UK) |
| Unit | The Durham Light Infantry |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossMilitary Cross |
Arthur Moore Lascelles was a very brave English soldier. He was awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) and the Military Cross (MC). The Victoria Cross is the highest and most important award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers. It is given for amazing courage when facing the enemy.
Arthur was born in Streatham, London, on October 12, 1880. He went to Uppingham School and started studying medicine at the University of Bangor, North Wales. However, in 1902, he decided to stop his studies and moved to South Africa.
A Hero in World War I
Arthur Lascelles was 37 years old during World War I. He was a captain in the 3rd Battalion of The Durham Light Infantry, a famous British Army unit. He showed incredible bravery in France.
The Battle at Masnieres
On December 3, 1917, at a place called Masnieres in France, there was a very heavy bombing. Captain Lascelles was hurt, but he kept encouraging his soldiers. He helped them get ready to defend their position. Because of his leadership, they managed to push back the enemy attack.
Soon after, the enemy attacked again and took over the trench, capturing some soldiers. Captain Lascelles immediately jumped up and, with only 12 men left, rushed forward. They ran under heavy machine-gun fire and forced more than 60 enemy soldiers to retreat.
Later, the enemy attacked one more time and captured the trench again. Captain Lascelles was captured too, but he managed to escape even though he had been wounded two more times.
Arthur Lascelles was killed in action on November 7, 1918. This happened in Fontaine-au-Bois, France, just a few days before the war ended. He was 38 years old.
His Victoria Cross Medal
Arthur Lascelles's Victoria Cross medal was proudly shown at the Durham Light Infantry Museum & Durham Art Gallery in Durham, England. It was a reminder of his amazing bravery.
